USA Chase Down 272 to Defeat Nepal – Milind Kumar Shines
At the ICC Academy Ground in Dubai, the United States of America registered a hard-fought victory over Nepal in the ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup League 2 encounter on Nov. 1st, winning by four wickets in a match filled with momentum swings and standout individual performances. Choosing to field first after winning the toss, USA managed to restrict Nepal to a competitive 271 in 49.5 overs before successfully chasing the target with six wickets down and six balls to spare. Milind Kumar’s fluent 70 off 66 balls was instrumental in steering the Americans home and earned him the Player of the Match award.
Nepal’s innings began shakily when opener Aasif Sheikh fell early for just two runs. However, the other opener, Kushal Bhurtel, and Bhim Sharki steadied the innings with a partnership that laid the foundation for a competitive total. Bhurtel struck a composed 47 off 65 balls, while Sharki contributed 43 from 58 deliveries. Captain Rohit Paudel added a fluent 36, ensuring Nepal stayed in the contest after early setbacks.
The real acceleration came from Dipendra Singh Airee, who once again showcased his all-round ability with a blistering 75 off just 67 balls, including two fours and three sixes. His positive stroke play lifted the scoring rate and energized the innings. Towards the end, Karan KC played a whirlwind knock of 49 from just 31 balls, smashing three sixes and two fours to help Nepal cross the 270 mark before being dismissed in the final over.
For USA, left-arm spinner Harmeet Singh was the pick of the bowlers, returning impressive figures of 3 for 33 from his 10 overs, effectively halting Nepal’s momentum in the middle overs. Saurabh Netravalkar and Nosthush Kenjige chipped in with two wickets apiece, while Jasdeep Singh and Shubham Ranjane each claimed one wicket.
Chasing 272 for victory, the USA innings got off to a steady start but lost Smit Patel (16) and Shayan Jahangir (36) in quick succession. Captain Monank Patel added 21 before falling with the score at 95, leaving the middle order with plenty to do. That’s when Saiteja Mukkamalla and Milind Kumar joined forces for a crucial 123-run partnership that turned the game decisively in America’s favor.
Mukkamalla’s patient 75 from 101 balls provided the backbone of the chase, while Milind Kumar’s dynamic 70 from 66 deliveries added the aggression needed to keep up with the required rate. Milind struck seven boundaries and a six, timing the ball beautifully and finding gaps with precision.
Although leg-spinner Sandeep Lamichhane threatened a late comeback for Nepal with three wickets for 53 runs, including the key dismissals of Milind and Ranjane, USA’s lower order held its nerve. Sanjay Krishnamurthi (15 not out) and Harmeet Singh (13 not out off 5 balls) saw the team home in the final over, with Harmeet sealing the victory in style by clearing the ropes twice.
The win not only showcased USA’s growing confidence in one-day cricket but also highlighted their depth and composure under pressure. With contributions from both experienced and emerging players, USA’s balanced performance underlined their credentials as a rising force in the League 2 competition.
Final Result: USA won by 4 wickets.
Player of the Match: Milind Kumar (USA)
